Underneath the huge sitting Buddha lays the niche for keeping ashes of the dearly departed.

However, many of the tiny compartments are empty now because relatives had moved the urns to other Siamese temples in Sik.

According to a devotee, who wished to be known only as Leong, Wat Kalai, which is one of the oldest Siamese temples in Kedah, used to be the place of congregation for devotees on special Thai occasions, festivals and prayers.

“But that was once upon a time. One of the most frequented temples now is Wat Cherok Padang about 7km away from Wat Kalai,” he said.